A women in recreational fishing network was launched last week in a bid to promote the pastime as a healthy and active outdoor activity for the whole family.

A network for women in recreational fishing was launched on International Women’s Day last week to encourage more females into fishing the promoting the pastime as a healthy and active outdoor activity for the whole family.

Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) chief executive officer Travis Dowling said a dedicated social media group on the VFA Facebook page will be central to the new network.

‘‘The new facebook group is here to provide a place for females to discuss, share and engage with other women interested in recreational fishing,’’ he said.

‘‘Females of all ages, fishing skill levels and experience can join the group, post pictures and stories, and learn from one another in a supportive digital environment. The new group will be a wonderful place for women from all walks of life to talk fishing, whether that’s simply sharing a video on how to tie a knot or asking for tips on rigging and baits.’’

The Facebook group is part of the Victorian Government’s Target One Million plan, which is investing $46million to get more people fishing , more often, and grow participation to one million by 2020.

The formation of the group is a direct result of the VFA’s ‘Women in Fishing Survey’ last year, which was completed by nearly 1400 women.

Among the survey feedback, women indicated they wanted a comfortable place to discuss fishing and get advice from other females who were already wetting a line or diving.

Check out the new group at www.facebook.com/groups/womeninrecfishing or learn more at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/womenfishingnetwork